Should I cement sleepers?

Author: Janick Adams II  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Consider longevity – if your property is commercial, you might want to go for concrete because it outlasts timber. Construction time & cost – wooden sleepers must be treated against rot and will need regular maintenance. Concrete sleepers, on the other hand, are installed easily and quickly without the use of mortar.

Do sleepers need to be cemented?

Railway Sleeper Planters

You might want to put a layer of concrete, sand or aggregate in first, but this isn't always strictly necessary. Continue around in the same way until you've got the bottom layer in place. At this point, it's worth using a spirit level to make sure all your railway sleepers are lying flat.

What are the disadvantages of concrete sleepers?

Weight: Concrete sleepers are very heavy, which makes them difficult to transport and install. This can add to the cost of construction. Maintenance: Concrete sleepers require regular maintenance. They need to be inspected for cracks and breaks, and they need to be replaced more often than composite sleepers.

Can I lay sleepers straight on the ground?

If you plan on placing your railway sleeper onto a solid surface such as a patio or concrete, they can be put directly on top, but if you're going to place them on soil, they need to be slightly sunken into the ground.

How long do concrete sleepers last?

It is known that concrete sleepers installed in various places around Australia some decades ago are apparently still performing satisfactorily, so the general assumption that such sleepers should last 50 years or more has received at least anecdotal support.

Concrete Sleepers | 5 Things You Need To Know

Do you need to seal concrete sleepers?

Applying a high-quality sealant to your concrete sleeper wall significantly enhances its protection against weathering and environmental elements.

What is the main advantage of a cement concrete sleeper?

With the characteristic of water resistant, sun resistant and corrosion resistant, concrete sleeper has a longer service life than wooden sleeper. Better withstand fire hazards. Concrete sleeper can withstand fire hazards better than wooden sleeper. Good insulation.

What do you put between sleepers and soil?

If you have well-draining soil, a layer of gravel or crushed stone can be an excellent option. Garden design with sleepers and gravel offers various benefits. Gravel allows for proper drainage, preventing water from pooling and potentially causing damage to the sleeper structure.

How high can concrete sleepers go?

Maximum retained heights for 100mm width concrete sleepers range from 2.5m high and all the way up to 6m high (5Kpa Surcharge, please see engineering documents for accurate info).

What is the best tool to cut sleepers with?

There are many ways to cut sleepers, but we recommend using a circular saw for accuracy, precision and speed.

Do you need gravel under sleepers?

The gravel acts as a drainage layer, allowing water to flow away from the sleepers and into the ground below. It acts as a natural conduit, guiding the water away from the vulnerable wooden sleepers. This prevents moisture build-up and helps to keep the sleepers dry and structurally sound.

Why are concrete sleepers laid below the rails?

Hence, wide wooden or concrete sleepers are kept below the railway tracks so that there is less pressure of the train on the ground by increasing the area of contact and that the railway line may not sink into the ground. Q.

Should I use concrete or wood sleepers?

Timber sleepers are generally more affordable upfront, making them a cost-effective solution for DIY enthusiasts and smaller projects. However, when considering the long-term costs associated with maintenance and replacement, concrete sleepers may prove to be the better option for many retaining wall projects.

Will sleepers rot in the ground?

When placed in the ground, sleepers are in constant contact with soil, which holds moisture. Without proper protection, this dampness can lead to the wood rotting, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. The UK's unpredictable weather doesn't help either!

How do you anchor sleepers to the ground?

Fill around the sleeper with soil or sand to secure it in place before moving onto laying the next one. To fix railway sleepers to the ground, use spikes or screws designed for outdoor use to ensure they remain stable over time.

Do concrete sleepers have rebar?

All of our concrete sleepers use two N12 Reo Bars (short for reinforcing bar) to enhance their strength, durability and resistance to cracking. These bars, with a 12 millimeter diameter, provide increased tensile strength to the sleepers, improving its ability to withstand bending and tension forces.

How deep should a concrete sleeper post be?

For stability, the depth of a concrete sleeper post should be at least 1/3 the height of the wall you are constructing, plus you will need to allow an additional 100 mm for gravel drainage. For example, for a 2 m high wall, the posts should be embedded 700 mm deep, plus the gravel base.

How long will sleepers last in the ground?

As a rule, hardwood oak sleepers tend to last the longest naturally with an expected lifespan of around 100 years. An untreated softwood will last for between three and five years if it sits on the ground, whilst treated softwoods can last between 20 and 30 years if they are maintained correctly.

Do you need to cement sleepers?

The use of gravel or sand to secure sleepers is a popular alternative to concrete. Whether you're using sleepers to form new edging around your landscape or are building a raised planting bed, gravel and sand foundations are certainly worth considering.

Can soil touch sleepers?

Yes, you can lay railway sleepers directly on soil - but it's not always the best choice. For light garden features like paths or decorative borders, direct laying can work well if you prepare the ground properly. But for anything structural or permanent, you'll want proper foundations.

Can you lay sleepers on grass?

Railway sleepers can be laid on soil, but it's important to prepare the ground properly before installation. First, remove any debris and level the soil to create a flat surface. You're best removing any grass or weeds then adding a base layer of gravel or sand to help with drainage.

What is the lifespan of a concrete sleeper?

This commitment to quality gives you the peace of mind that our sleepers are the only ones you'll ever need for your project. which means that our sleepers are designed for a 50-year product lifespan. Industry leading concrete strength of 60 MPa.

What are the pros and cons of cement?

Pros & cons of concrete construction
  • Concrete is incredibly durable. ...
  • It's extremely long lasting. ...
  • Concrete makes great flooring. ...
  • It can be used for a range of purposes. ...
  • It often needs to be reinforced. ...
  • Requires professional installation. ...
  • Concrete can crack.

Are concrete sleepers better?

Unlike timber sleepers, concrete blocks won't rot or warp over time and are incredibly strong. Concrete blocks are also very versatile, great for DIY as they are easier to handle, quick to install and come in a range of sizes, colours and finishes.

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